By Itam Offor
The Cross River State House of Assembly (CRHA),, on Tuesday, took the second reading of the Bill for a Law to repeal the CRS Electricity Agency Law 2007 and enact the Electricity Law 2025.
The Lead Sponsor of the Bill and Leader of the 10th Assembly, Rt Hon Francis Bassey Asuquo (Odukpani )in his presentation said that the bill provides for the creation and administration of the State’s Electricity Market as well as the establishment of the Regulatory Commission which will regulate electricity generation, transmission, systems operations, distribution and supply.
The Lead Sponsor further intimated that the bill also provides for establishment of the State’s Electrification Agency as well as the State’s Electrification Fund to promote reliable and universal access to electricity for all residents in the State.
He sued for the support of the bill by Lawmakers while enumerating the advantages that the State will derive from the bill when passed into Law.
Contributing to the debate, the Deputy Speaker, Hon Sylvester Agabi noted that the bill will greatly facilitate job creation amongst other benefits.
Also speaking, the Chief Whip of the House, Rt Hon Hillary Bisong emphasized that the State should take advantage of the recent removal of electricity from the exclusive list to the concurrent legislative list thereby empowering States to go into electricity generation and transmission.
He added that this will positively impact every facet of the State’s economy as the importance of electricity to the wellbeing of citizens cannot be overemphasized.
On his part, the Deputy Leader of the House and Member representing Abi State Constituency, Rt Hon Davies Etta remarked that some States have already passed the bill hence the need for the House to give it an early passage to enable the State enjoy the numerous benefits of improved power supply.
Other Lawmakers unanimously supported the bill stressing that, Cross River State with several rivers and waterfalls is naturally endowed to generate electricity which will adequately address the current epileptic power supply and rejuvenate economic activities.
They noted, amongst other benefits that, Small and Medium Scale Industries will thrive while investors will be encouraged to site businesses in the State.
The Speaker, Rt Hon Elvert Ayambem noted that the State has been plagued by epileptic power supply from the National Grid for a long time making it difficult for businesses to thrive as most of them depend sorely on generators. He reiterated that adequate power supply drives the economy of nations.
Ayambem further assured that the House will give the bill an early passage after a robust engagement with stakeholders during it’s public hearing stage as he subsequently referred the bill to the House Committee on Power after it’s second reading by the Clerk, Barr Catherine Ubi.
